Former first lady of Maine, Cora Reed

PORTLAND – Former Maine first lady Cora Reed, who suffered a stroke 10 days ago, died Sunday in a Washington, D.C., hospice.

Reed, who was 84, was the wife of former Gov. John Reed, who occupied the Blaine House from 1959 to 1967. He later chaired the National Transportation Safety Board and served as ambassador to Sri Lanka.

The Reeds lived in the nation’s capital, where they remained active in the Maine State Society.

In a statement, Sen. Olympia Snowe remembered Cora Reed as “a remarkable woman who earned a place in the hearts of Mainers and ensured through her gracious hospitality and warmth that the Blaine House truly belonged to all people.”

“She left a lasting legacy at the governor’s residence and in the state she loved, and during this most difficult of times our hearts and prayers go out to Governor Reed and the entire family,” Snowe, R-Maine, said.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Christ United Methodist Church in Washington.